Game story
In Week 1 of the 2014 NFL season on 2014-09-07, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the Los Angeles Rams, pulling away with a 34–6 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Davis (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with -12.40 total EPA, and +1.7% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Patterson (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.43 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-12.5% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (1:13) (Shotgun) 14-S.Hill pass deep right intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Robinson at LA 35. 21-J.Robinson ran ob at LA 35 for no gain. The Replay Official challenged the incomplete pass r
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | 3 | 10 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 34 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Patterson · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +8.43 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.81 EPA/play
- 2 M. Cassel · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +7.53 total EPA · 25 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 3 G. Jennings · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.10 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 4 B. Quick · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.03 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 5 A. Peterson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.26 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.75 EPA/play
- 6 R. Ellison · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.57 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.57 EPA/play
- 7 T. Austin · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.36 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.45 EPA/play
- 8 C. Patterson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +1.20 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Patterson — MIN · Rushing
C. Patterson posted the highest total EPA (+8.43) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +2.81 EPA per play.
The signature play (-10.64 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (3:18) (Shotgun) 9-A.Davis pass short left intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith [55-A.Barr] at MIN 19. 22-H.Smith for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — G. Jennings (M. Cassel pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — C. Patterson
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (M. Cassel pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — H. Smith
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
- Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 3–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 34 (Q1 54:40) — (9:40) 3-B.Walsh 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the LA 28 (Q2 44:21) — (14:21) 3-B.Walsh 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 8 (Q2 30:26) — (:26) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 15-G.Jennings for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 30:21) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke..
The third quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the MIN 38 (Q3 25:17) — (10:17) 4-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 67 (Q3 17:08) — (2:08) 84-C.Patterson right end for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 16:54) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–3. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the LA 7 (Q4 6:35) — (6:35) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q4 6:27) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the MIN 23 (Q4 3:18); Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q4 2:57) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the MIN 28 (Q4 1:35) — (1:35) 4-G.Zuerlein 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 31:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 14-S.Hill pass deep right intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Robinson at LA 35. 21-J.Robinson ran ob at LA 35 for no gain. The Replay Official challenged the incomplete pass r
- Los Angeles Rams (Q1 46:17) — (1:17) 4-G.Zuerlein 50 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 17:08) — (2:08) 84-C.Patterson right end for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 56:25) — (11:25) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 28-A.Peterson to LA 40 for 9 yards (23-R.McLeod). PENALTY on LA-94-R.Quinn, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at LA 40. Penalty on LA-52-A.Ogletree, Defen
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 54:40) — (9:40) 3-B.Walsh 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 3:18) — (3:18) (Shotgun) 9-A.Davis pass short left intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith [55-A.Barr] at MIN 19. 22-H.Smith for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 17:08) — (2:08) 84-C.Patterson right end for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 7:44) — (7:44) 18-J.Locke punts 37 yards to LA 5, Center-46-C.Loeffler, downed by MIN-21-J.Robinson. PENALTY on LA-34-C.Reynolds, Roughing the Kicker, 14 yards, enforced at LA 42 - No Play.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 31:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 14-S.Hill pass deep right intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Robinson at LA 35. 21-J.Robinson ran ob at LA 35 for no gain. The Replay Official challenged the incomplete pass r
Quarterback report card
A.Davis led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Davis (Los Angeles Rams) · 29 dropbacks · 55.2% completion · +1.7% CPOE · -0.43 EPA/play · -12.40 total EPA
- M.Cassel (Minnesota Vikings) · 25 dropbacks · 68.0% completion · -0.4% CPOE · +0.30 EPA/play · +7.53 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.109 | -0.293 |
| Offensive success rate | 41.2% | 36.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.301 | -0.481 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.079 | -0.119 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.293 | -0.109 |
| Defensive success rate | 64.0% | 58.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.11 vs -0.29), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, -25.23 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, +8.71 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Minnesota Vikings leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- C. Patterson (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q1 54:40 · LA 34 · Score 3-0
(9:40) 3-B.Walsh 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 44:21 · LA 28 · Score 6-0
(14:21) 3-B.Walsh 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 30:26 · LA 8 · Score 12-0
(:26) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 15-G.Jennings for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 30:21 · LA 2 · Score 13-0
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q3 25:17 · MIN 38 · Score 13-3
(10:17) 4-G.Zuerlein 56 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 17:08 · LA 67 · Score 19-3
(2:08) 84-C.Patterson right end for 67 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 16:54 · LA 2 · Score 20-3
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 6:35 · LA 7 · Score 26-3
(6:35) (Shotgun) 16-M.Cassel pass short right to 82-K.Rudolph for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 6:27 · LA 2 · Score 27-3
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 3:18 · MIN 23 · Score 33-3
(3:18) (Shotgun) 9-A.Davis pass short left intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith [55-A.Barr] at MIN 19. 22-H.Smith for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 2:57 · LA 2 · Score 34-3
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-18-J.Locke. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 1:35 · MIN 28 · Score 34-6
(1:35) 4-G.Zuerlein 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Los Angeles Rams 34-6 in Week 1, 2014 on 2014-09-07.
What was the final score of Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Minnesota Vikings 34, Los Angeles Rams 6 (MIN 34-6 LA) in Week 1, 2014 on 2014-09-07.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 3, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 10, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 7, Los Angeles Rams 3; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 14, Los Angeles Rams 3; Final: Minnesota Vikings 34, Los Angeles Rams 6.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — G. Jennings (M. Cassel pass) (Q2 30:26) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — C. Patterson (Q3 17:08) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (M. Cassel pass) (Q4 6:35) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — H. Smith (Q4 3:18) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q1 54:40, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 44:21, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q3 25:17, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 1:35, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
A. Davis (Los Angeles Rams), 55.2% completion, +1.7% CPOE, -0.43 EPA per dropback, -12.40 total passing EPA. M. Cassel (Minnesota Vikings), 68.0% completion, -0.4% CPOE, +0.30 EPA per dropback, +7.53 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Minnesota Vikings vs Los Angeles Rams?
C. Patterson (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +8.43 on rushing plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-10.64 EPA): (3:18) (Shotgun) 9-A.Davis pass short left intended for 89-J.Cook INTERCEPTED by 22-H.Smith [55-A.Barr] at MIN 19. 22-H.Smith for 81 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -12.5%.
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Now 1-0 W
Los Angeles Rams
Now 0-1 L
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